MSc/PgDip/PgCert Medical Ultrasound Programme

Course structure

This course is only open to home or EU students. We are currently not accepting applications from international students.

Part-time – typically 12-24 months for each award stage, plus a dissertation for masters

Full-time – typically nine months for each award stage.

For the part time postgraduate certificate and diploma routes, you attend on a day release basis, normally a Tuesday. The stand alone modules have a mixture of taught sessions and distance learning.

Full awards start in September and the stand alone modules start in September and January.

Typical modules may include

Course structure

The postgraduate certificate (PgCert) is achieved by successfully completing 60 credits.
The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is achieved by successfully completing 120 credits.
The masters (MSc) award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.

PgCert

Professional portfolio (15 credits)
This module is designed to support the use of a professional development portfolio in demonstrating evidence of your personal learning and development and a practitioner. The module promotes the development of a safe and competent practitioner who is capable of reflective practice recognising the need for continual professional development.

Science and technology of medical ultrasound (15 credits)
This module aims to provide the theoretical underpinning to support and compliment the practical training required to produce a competent Sonographer. It also enables the student sonographer to examine the basis physical principles of safe application of high frequency sound in a variety of clinical settings.

Plus a further 30 credits from the optional module list below.

PgDip

60 credits from the optional module list below

Optional modules

Obstetric ultrasound (30 credits)
This module covers all aspects of obstetric ultrasound from conception to birth. It aims to provide theoretical underpinning to support and compliment the practical training necessary to achieve competency in patient centred obstetric ultrasound practice.

Abdominal ultrasound (30 credits)
This module covers all aspects of general medical ultrasound including upper and lower abdominal and small part scanning. It aims to provide theoretical underpinning to support and compliment the practical training necessary to achieve competency in patient centred abdominal ultrasound practice.

Gynaecological ultrasound (15 credits)
This module covers all aspects of gynaecological ultrasound. It aims to provide theoretical underpinning to support and compliment the practical training necessary to achieve competency in patient centred gynaecological ultrasound practice.

First trimester ultrasound scanning (15 credits)
This module covers all aspects of first trimester ultrasound. It aims to provide theoretical underpinning to support and compliment the practical training necessary to achieve competency in patient centred first trimester ultrasound practice.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (upper limb) ultrasound (15 credits)
This module aims to examine the role of ultrasound in musculoskeletal scanning of the upper limb with the emphasis on safe practice. It also includes a comparison of ultrasound techniques with other available diagnostic tests and the role of ultrasound in invasive procedures.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (lower limb) ultrasound (15 credits)
This module aims to examine the role of ultrasound in musculoskeletal scanning of the lower limb with the emphasis on safe practice. It also includes a comparison of ultrasound techniques with other available diagnostic tests and the role of ultrasound in invasive procedures.

Vascular ultrasound (30 credits)
This module is a distance learning module with no university attendance required for the module. It aims to provide the theoretical underpinning to support and compliment the practical training necessary to achieve competency in vascular ultrasound in patient centred care.

Research methods for practice (15 credits)
This module allows you to develop a critical understanding of a range of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and apply their use to specific health care scenarios. You are encouraged to critically appraise the appropriateness of a range of study designs and data collection and analysis methods, in relation to a specific research question(s).

Further information about all modules is available on our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) website.

Masters dissertation

This module provides an opportunity to conduct a project that is of importance to your professional practice and of relevance to your own workplace or organisation, with the ultimate aim of influencing and impacting on the care provided to those using this service.